Need Digital TV? Ready to switch over?
Get fair, unbiased advice in a language you understand
so you make the right choice.
What happens during the switchover?
The Government is planning on switching off the old analogue signal, starting in 2008 with the Border region and ending in 2012 when the last of the UK’s analogue signals will be turned off.
Why are we going digital?
In addition to being more efficient, the digital signal takes up far less space than the analogue one, which we’ve been using for 80 years. Digital allows us to fit far more channels in, in far better quality.
Many other countries are going digital too, including France and Germany - parts of which have already switched over.
What will happen during the switch?
When your area is ready to switchover, the Government will switch off the analogue signal and you’ll have to have the correct equipment to continue watching. The analogue signal will be replaced with the digital one, which carries an array of free and paid for channels, including the current BBC1, BBC2, ITV, Channel 4, and Five.
Most of the country already has access to digital TV, but the Government wants to make sure that everyone has access to better programming - some people still can’t get Channel Five. So the Government’s plan is that by switching to digital, television will be fairer for everyone.
The switchover will be well advertised in your area so that you can be prepared and the BBC and the Government will be funding a help scheme so that elderly and vulnerable people won’t be left behind (see useful links).
